The Experiences of Mothers Feeding Their Infants Later Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Bottle Feeding and Complementary Feeding Challenges.

INTRODUCTION

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) more commonly experience feeding difficulty than their neurotypical (NT) peers, although less is known about how the feeding behaviors present during infancy.

METHODS

Twenty-four mothers participated in interviews exploring their experiences feeding their autistic and NT children during the first year of life and the context behind feeding practices that may also contribute to feeding difficulty in autistic children during infancy.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis identified four main themes: (1) bottle feeding and cup behaviors, (2) challenges in complementary food introduction, (3) continuing difficulty with complementary feeding, and (4) bottle feeding and complementary feeding in the NT sibling.

CONCLUSIONS

Infant feeding behaviors during bottle feeding and complementary feeding may be indicative of early signs of ASD, including repetitive and restrictive interests, social communication differences, and sensory sensitivities.